Chromebooks are powered with ChromeOS which is designed for productivity. Whether you're a student or a professional, mastering ChromeOS can significantly boost your efficiency.
ChromeOS is known for its lightweight and seamless integration with Google. Moreover, it provides a wide variety of tools that are intended to streamline any kind of workflow.
Whether you are a new ChromeOS user or someone who has been using it for years but can't seem to maximize its potential, various hacks will help you fully appreciate its powers.
From mastering keyboard shortcuts to using advanced features, here are some ChromeOS tips and techniques that you can try:
Keyboard Shortcuts
Mastering keyboard shortcuts is the fastest way to speed up your productivity. It also lessens the time you have to spend navigating using your mouse for simple tasks.
Some of the basic shortcuts include switching between open tabs using Ctrl + Tab (forward) and Ctrl + Shift + Tab (backward). Taking a screenshot using the Ctrl + Shift + F5. You can also lock your Chromebook using the Ctrl + Shift + L.
Alternatively, you can also install an extension that will allow you to customize your keyboard shortcuts. This gives a more personalized touch to your ChromeOS experience.
Customize Shelf
The shelf in ChromeOS refers to the taskbar in Windows or the dock in macOS. You can customize its appearance and behavior based on your preferences.
For instance, you can assign a position to your shelf, depending on the side where you are most comfortable to see it. You can also enable the auto-hide so it doesn't take up that much space on your screen.
It is better to display your most used apps on the shelf instead of pinning them all. You can still find all your installed apps in the drawer.
Wi-Fi Quality of Service
Google has recently added Wi-Fi Quality of Service (QoS) to the ChromeOS M124 version. The QoS allows your Chromebook to prioritize tasks that require more connectivity.
Tasks like video conferences and online games will be treated as a priority if the Wi-Fi network gets busy. Even on a slower connection, you can achieve a higher-quality video call, less buffer on video streaming, and smoother online gaming.
Virtual Desk, Splitscreen
Virtual desktops are a feature that allows Chromebook users to organize their workflow by creating multiple desktop environments simultaneously. Each desk represents a different workspace wherein you can open apps independently.
The M124 ChromeOS version also introduced the Faster Split Screen Setup which allows users to have an overview of their open windows on the other side of the screen.
Chrome Flags
Chrome Flags are experimental features on Chrome that allow users to enable or disable various features. This provides a better-customized experience for the browser. The features included in this area are either in development, undergoing testing, or not yet fully stable.
You can access it by typing chrome:flags in the address bar. Do note that you should explore them with caution as it may cause instability. Regardless, some features will help you improve your experience.
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